After losing to Vegas at home in four sets, the Valkyries [2-3] will look to snap their two-match losing streak as they head to Michigan to take on the Grand Rapids Rise [2-3] on Thursday, January 30, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action streamed live on Pro Volleyball Federation’s YouTube channel.
Strength vs Strength Battle: A big emphasis on how this matchup could be decided will be determined on how each team attacks and controls the net. Orlando comes in leading the league in hitting percentage (28%) and ranks second in total kills (285). On the other side, Grand Rapids is coming off a 13-block performance against Columbus and leads the league in both total blocks (50) and blocks per set (2.63).
This will be the first meeting between Orlando and Grand Rapids this season, with the all-time series currently tied 2-2.
Valkyries Players to Watch:
Pornpun Guedpard (Setter) – After missing a road match in Vegas, Pornpun picked up right where she left off, putting up 49 assists in four sets against Vegas on January 26, setting a new career high. Pornpun ranks fourth among all setters, averaging 10.64 assists per set.
Brittany Abercombie (Opposite) –Grand Rapids, known for being an exceptional blocking team, will have their hands full trying to slow down Abercrombie. In four out of five matches this season, she has eclipsed more than ten kills as well as logging back-to-back 20+ kill performances and tying the Pro Volleyball Federation record with 30 kills in a five-set match. She ranks second in the league in both total kills (90) and kills per set (4.5).
Rise Players to Watch:
Carli Snyder (Outside)- A seven-year pro from the University of Florida, Snyder played an important role in Sunday’s reverse sweep vs. Columbus, finishing with 17 kills, seven digs, two blocks, and three service aces on a .429 hitting percentage. Her big match against Columbus led her to being named player of the week for week three. On the season, Snyder ranks fourth in the league with six service aces, and tenth in kills with 53. She was recently named week three player of the week.
Marin Grote (Middle blocker) - A returnee from last season’s Rise squad, Grote is known for her elite blocking ability. After finishing with the third most blocks (64) in the league last season, she is off to another fast start, leading Grand Rapids with ten blocks, good for ninth in the league. She also holds the franchise record with seven blocks in a five-set match, which took place on February 18, 2024, against the Atlanta Vibe.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT ORLANDO VALKYRIES
The Orlando Valkyries are a proud member team in the Pro Volleyball Federation — the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. The Valkyries, which began play in January 2024, enter their second season in the league and will once again play out of Addition Financial Arena, located in the heart of the University of Central Florida campus. Season Tickets are on sale now. For more information on how to get all tickets, email Tickets@OrlandoValkyries.com, click on OrlandoValkyries.com, visit the Addition Financial Arena box office or go to the Ticketmaster website: Ticketmaster.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook or via X, Instagram and TikTok — @ORLValkyries or visit OrlandoValkyries.com.
* Orlando Valkyries, Pro Volleyball, DIG IT! *